Clinical treatment outside hospital; GP : A GP Practice in the area of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board

Mr P complained that the Practice missed opportunities to diagnose his skin cancer at consultations in October and November 2019.
The Ombudsman found that the Practice should have made an urgent specialist referral on 13 November 2019 and that this would have led to earlier diagnosis and treatment of Mr P’s skin cancer. It was not possible to say whether earlier detection would have avoided the need for Mr P to have neck surgery. However, he was denied this realistic opportunity, which was a significant injustice. Accordingly, the Ombudsman upheld the complaint.
The Ombudsman recommended that the Practice should apologise to Mr P and make a redress payment of £500 in respect of the injustice caused to him. She also made recommendations to ensure that all GPs at the Practice are appropriately trained in assessing skin damage and providing appropriate follow up advice.
The Ombudsman was pleased that the Practice agreed to accept these recommendations.